Killdeer Dance

by Ronn Fryer

Fed by underground springs throughout the valley, the beauty of the Au Sable is relatively easy to describe to the superficial, nearly impossible to the spiritual. Outdoor writers claim it’s one of the ten most beautiful rivers in the entire country. Locals know better. There isn’t a river anywhere that can compare – like this moment in time, with both girls connected in ways beyond their comprehension. Driving along the two-lane, they bounced happily toward a destiny they’d soon find even harder to understand.

  Chapter 20 – Beautiful Scenery

  Olivia found it nearly impossible to describe her friendship with Tina. She’d always gotten high grades in English, prided herself with possessing a wide vocabulary. And yet, she still couldn’t find a single word to accurately describe it. Everything that came to mind seemed trite, contrived, fell terribly short, or missed the mark altogether. Special, unique, magical, precious, all came off as pretentious or sappy. Her feelings weren’t romantic. As gorgeous as Tina may have been, there weren’t any such overtones; not even a girl crush, really – at least nothing major. Envious? Hell yes, anyone who ever saw Tina and professed otherwise, was lying.

  After going through every label she could think of, Livvy simply settled on friend. That term might have seemed sadly inadequate, but truth was, Olivia Palmer, in all her twenty-two years, had never once had a real friend.

  Tina, meanwhile, didn’t worry about definitions. She knew that being considered Livvy’s friend, bestowed something few outsiders could comprehend – whatever. What others may or may not understand hardly mattered. Despite the short time they’d known each other (or their obvious differences), Teans felt very much the same way toward the brave girl who spent her days a hundred feet up in the sky.

  Tina’s actual sister, Connie, was nearly the same age as Olivia. Biology, however, didn’t necessarily breed deep bonds. Sibling rivalry sometimes just accrued too much interest. Tina and Livvy, however, simply related; and, devoid of definition, Ruthie’s cashier adored spending time with her friend on days like today.

  Just around the bend after they’d turned west onto River Road, Tina instructed Olivia to pull into the parking lot by the Foote Site swimming area. The little sandy strip was quaint, even charming. Hardly South Beach, it nevertheless comprised a hundred and fifty feet of picturesque shoreline, chaperoned by a pair of weathered picnic tables where the sand reluctantly gave way to a doleful version of grass. Small by any standards, it was still a treasured little gem in its own right and the scenery along the shoreline was truly postcard worthy.

  Farther up along the shore, between the beach and the boat launch, there was a touristy shack with a walkway leading to a floating raft. A replica of a Mississippi paddle-wheeler was moored to the raft’s pilings whenever it wasn’t thumping across the Pond. Olivia had seen the colorful, double-deck boat before, although she wasn’t sure if it was open to the public.

  “The River Queen’s already left, Look!” Tina spouted, pointing toward the Foote Pond’s far left channel.

  Had they arrived fifteen minutes earlier, they could have watched her depart. Still, eager to catch a decent glimpse, they jumped from the truck and jogged along the water’s edge, hoping to get a better look as she receded across the Au Sable’s backwater. Even though Tina had seen it more times than she could count, they both enjoyed watching it slowly make its way toward Duck Point, the wake from the paddle-wheel churning frothy white against the azure water. Seen through another’s eyes, old things sometimes seemed delightfully new.

  After the Queen had shrunk to the size of their thumb, gradually disappearing around the point, the girls reluctantly turned and trekked back to the truck. Olivia had wisely left the engine running. Even if the ancient Chevy always managed to start, it certainly wasn’t above a little drama. Besides, it just seemed happiest idling. Despite its limited horsepower, there was still no need to disrespect it. No reason to look a gift horse in the mouth, or in this case, a tired starter under the hood.

  Back on the blacktop, they continued just a little over a mile to their next stop. The namesake of an apple grove that had finally surrendered to old age, Old Orchard Park, nestled between the Foote Pond and River Road. Although narrow enough in some sections to allow a glimpse of sparkling water through wooded sites, the park nevertheless occupied substantial acres of the best waterfront Michigan had to offer. Olivia had also driven past the campground before, she just didn’t remember it being this long.

  Merely voicing her curiosity, Livvy asked, “Just how big is this park?”

  Although the question was basically rhetorical, Tina answered with more than a little enthusiasm – explaining, “Four miles of shoreline with five hundred sites; most are first come – first serve, although there are quite a few seasonal sites. The west end has electricity, and...”

  Olivia looked over, a grin exposing a hint of dimples.

  “What?” Tina asked.

  Her amusement helplessly revealed, Livvy nevertheless offered, “Oh, nothing.”

  Tina hesitated a moment, then conceded, “TMI?”

  “Oh no,” Olivia answered, including her own version of Tina’s trademark smirk, “The Chamber of Commerce would be proud.”

  “Oh, good,” Teans replied, her face etched with the genuine article. “Did I mention the horse camp?”

  At the park’s entrance, Olivia swung wide and turned in, slowing down as they approached the gate shack.

  “Do I need a pass?”

  Tina waved the thought away, saying, “No, it’s early in the season, no one’s there. It won’t really get busy until the fourth.”

  Livvy double-clutched the truck, nudged the gas pedal and rumbled by the gate, past the park office and the little store. As instructed by her tour guide, she then turned right. As much as Olivia wanted to take in all she could, overhanging trees lined the park’s modest blacktop. Narrow enough to begin with, the road’s only shoulders amounted to oaks, norways, and an occasional jack pine.

  Basically, if you swerved, you dented a fender. Adding to the challenge, the truck’s near hula-hoop sized steering wheel was about as loose as a St. Paddy’s Day goose. Learning to drive the old 3100 was a work in progress; mastering it was an unrealistic expectation. No matter how unlikely that the forest service would spring for any body work, Olivia had no desire to fill out the paper work. Besides, the truck was the only vehicle she’d ever had; regardless of its condition, she considered it a kindred spirit from inner-city Detroit.

  Despite the extra nuisance of dodging suicidal chipmunks, Livvy enjoyed ambling through the park, peaking at all the different sites. Most of them were fairly sizeable and heavily wooded. After they drove to the park’s far eastern end, they circled around by the main boat launch, then retraced their path back to the store.

  Rather than exit the park, they looped out around the north camping point, which set off a series of weird premonitions in Olivia’s head. Shaking it off as pure silliness, she instead focused on the narrow asphalt, taking the fork which lead them out of the point and back onto the road bordering the river. From there she wove slowly along the west to the electric side of the campground.

  The bank dropped sharply on the right, where the water’s quick color change foretold its severe drop-off. Tina wryly commented that fifteen feet out equated to fifteen feet down.

  With the exception of the horse camp, Olivia got the full tour. She was really glad they’d driven through. It really was nice as far as parks go; and, back up in the tower she’d definitely have a better idea of various campfire locations.

  Completing the tour of the park, they passed the gate shack and pulled back onto River Road, once again heading west. Staying mostly between the lines, Olivia let the truck settle into its own comfort level, allowing her mind to ramble between the flitting trees. The north woods might not be for everyone, but city dwellers really had no idea what they were missing. Her revelry was suspended though, as she realized her friend had been uncharacteristically quiet.

  “Something o
n your mind?” Olivia asked.

  “Oh....yes, and no.”

  “Yes and no?”

  Releasing a mini-sigh, Tina confessed, “I broke up with Jason yesterday.”

  “Ohh, I’m sorry...are you okay?”

  “Yeah,” Teans admitted. “Actually, I’m relieved.”

  Evidently, Jason had been getting overly possessive, and the most stunning girl to ever grace the confines of her tiny village was afraid a proposal was forthcoming. Rather than hurt someone she genuinely liked, Tina had decided to break things off, hopefully avoiding a painfully awkward situation. Knowing it would be far from easy, she nevertheless decided Band-Aids pulled off quickly tended to hurt the least.

  Unfortunately, her suitor wasn’t a believer.

  When the object of his possession explained that she’d always wanted to travel, Jason offered to take her anywhere her little heart desired. Taking his hand gently, Tina clarified that she needed to find herself, by herself.

  He dropped her hand as if it had suddenly ignited. Unable to face this reality, the boy that professed unwavering support, instantly grew moody. After an extended silence, staring a hole through her cheek, he abruptly informed her that she didn’t, couldn’t, know what she really wanted.

  Ironically, it was the kindest thing he could have said. Any level of understanding would have increased her guilt. His self-centered response, however, cleared her conscience like a magic eraser.

  It was no secret that Tina’s time at Ruthie’s was only temporary. Still, despite the tedium, she’d probably miss the damn place. She’d always been treated fairly and her travel plans were going to take all the money she could possibly squirrel away.

  Leaving wouldn’t be easy, but that didn’t stop her from counting the days. It was high time to spread her wings and experience life. Anticipating possibilities was exciting and the last thing she wanted to do was tie herself down to college or, heaven forbid, marriage! Connie had been married for three years, saddled with one at her hip and another soon to slip. Although she tried being sympathetic to her older sister’s plight, the prospect of following in her diaper-strewn footsteps was nightmare inducing.

  Naturally Miss Ruthie was less than pleased with Tina’s impending departure, but Foote Site’s long-standing resident said she understood. Hell, she was young once herself. There certainly wasn’t much she could offer by way of inducement; a fifty cent per hour increase over minimum wage would hardly compete with the glistening pearls beckoning from inside the giant oyster impatiently waiting beyond the village limit sign.

  Cal, however, not only understood, he heartily encouraged her to break the rearview mirror and put the pedal to the metal.

  The side mirror on the truck may not have been broken, but it was cracked. Hardly ignoring such blatant symbolism, Olivia asked, “So where would you like to go?”

  “I don’t know,” Tina admitted. “Anyplace warm, I’ve had it with Michigan winters.”

  “Okay, that’s a start.” Livvy concurred. “Anywhere slightly more, specific?”

  “I’ve never seen the ocean, Florida would be nice.”

  Reflecting on her current situation, Olivia pursed her lips. “I was actually considering a job in the Keys before I came here.”

  “The Keys....ooouu,” Tina purred. “I’ve read about the Keys. Have you ever been there?”

  “Nope,” Livvy admitted. “Closest I’ve ever been is Toledo.”

  Unable to stifle a giggle, Tina confessed, “Well hon, ya still got me beat.”

  Driving on, both girls gradually enveloped into silence, contemplating their prospective respective futures until they reached the Lumberman’s Monument. Turning at the intersection of Monument Road, they pulled in and selected a parking slot by the site’s rustic store.

  Inside, they perused the merchandise and tourist trinkets. Stopping at a rack with stuffed animals, they couldn't resist cuddling the adorable plush toys. Giggling like schoolgirls on a field trip (which in essence they were, assuming schools offered a course on bonding), they seemed increasingly more delighted with each new critter.

  Tina was enamored with a fuzzy bird that chirped. She held it against her cheek and pushed the button on its belly. Even though she had no idea what kind of bird it might be, Olivia agreed that it probably sounded realistic.

  “It’s a Kirtland Warbler,” Tina explained.

  “Ahh, okay,” Livvy said. She’d heard of the little birds, but didn’t really know much about them – thought they may have been endangered. Tina would probably know. Before she could ask, however, her friend had already started sharing some of her travel magazine trivia.

  “They nest exclusively in jack pines,” Tina began. “Mostly between here and Mio.” Holding out the little bird for Livvy’s inspection, she continued, “Everyone thinks they’re a Michigan native, but they actually spend most of their life in the Caribbean.”

  Petting the little critter’s head, Olivia claimed, “Cute little Rasta bird.”

  “Yep,” Tina agreed. “The amazing thing, the babies hatch in May, and by September the little shits fly all the way to the islands.”

  Olivia had to admit that was certainly impressive, hard to imagine – almost as hard to fathom as the degree to which the fledglings seemed to inspire her friend.

  After snuggling the bird one last time, Tina returned the warbler to the display rack and turned her attention to the center aisle. Amongst the themed coasters and leafy earrings, she came across a cedar-handled folding knife with a fox carved into the rust-colored wood. Hardly a typical choice for every girl, it nevertheless seemed the perfect gift for Livvy. She’d love the likeness of one of her babies, and a little protection might offer Olivia some precious piece of mind.

  While Livvy was perusing some wildlife bookmarks, Tina snatched the knife (deftly concealed in her palm), and slipped to the cashier. Index finger to her lips, she pantomimed the need for a secret purchase. The cashier caught on and smiled, eager to participate in the lovely little ruse.

  As Olivia continued browsing, Teans slid the barely-lethal keepsake into her purse and asked the counter girl for directions to the restroom.

  Back in the truck, Tina could barely wait to give Livvy her gift. The patience she displayed doing Olivia’s face was one thing, but this was different. Before her friend even closed the door, Tina dug into her purse. Grinning ear-to-ear, she thrust it at the unsuspecting girl.

  Hopeful that the gift would make Livvy happy, Tina hardly expected it to mess up the girl’s eyeliner. Strange that someone so tough could be so vulnerable. The exuberant hug and smooched cheek she received, melted a special corner of Tina’s heart.

  It didn’t seem this day could possibly be more memorable, until a warbler chirped.

  Turning her back to Tina, Olivia had opened the flap of her purse, slipped the knife inside and slyly extracted a purchase of her own; one with a red dot, containing simple instructions – ‘Push Here.’

  When the plush bird trilled, Olivia looked out through the windshield as if searching the trees. The charade may have been more effective had the sound not come from inside the cab; and Livvy’s pathetic attempt trying to conceal her left hand, only made it all the more obvious.

  “You didn’t?” Tina squealed.

  Squeezing the bird’s belly a second time, Olivia pulled her eyes from her search and turned to Tina. Feigning total innocence, she asked, “Did you hear that? I think it came from that jack pine.”

  Teans reached out. “Give me!” She demanded.

  Unwilling to curtail her fun prematurely, Olivia twisted back to the windshield and scoured the pine boughs. “There,” she fibbed, “I think it’s on that low branch.”

  Quite prepared to keep her little game going indefinitely; she was not, however, prepared for Tina’s fingers digging between her ribs. Although she had no previous knowledge of her weakness, Olivia quickly discovered that she was extremely ticklish.

  “Okay,” she whined, squirming helplessly. �
��Okay........OKAY!!”

  As Livvy pleaded for mercy, Tina reached around and snatched the fuzzy bird. Once in her possession, she reunited it with her cheek. Squeezing Livvy’s empty palm with her free hand, Tina declared, “Thank you, I love it!” Faking a pout, she added, “You’re sweet, even though you’re a brat!”

  Pumping the gas as she turned the key, Olivia said, “Right back at ya!”

  From the Monument they drove another three miles to Iargo Springs, the warbler all the while cradled fondly in Tina’s grasp. Once there, they stopped at a rustic kiosk and read the information about the Native Americans who originally inhabited the springs. Tina gushed about how pretty it was at the bottom of the stairs; a picturesque little waterfall fed with natural spring-water that slowly meandered around the base of towering hardwoods and trickled under a series of walkways before it finally entered the river.

  Olivia said, “Sounds beautiful, let’s go see.”

  “Are you sure?” Tina asked, “It’s three hundred steps down.”

  “Can’t be any worse than the tower,” Livvy countered.

  “Okay,” Tina relented, “but there’s twice as many steps coming back up.”

  Well aware of the merits of practice, Olivia again emulated her friend’s smirk.

  “All right,” Tina sighed, “but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Teans was right about the springs, it was as if they’d descended into a magical little forest. It wouldn’t have taken much to imagine a unicorn prancing through the trees. Coming down the winding stairway was easy enough, and although the upward climb would definitely be a workout, the trek would prove well worth it.

  At the bottom they toured the entire walkway, stopping to peer out at the Au Sable from a small observation deck that extended over the shallows. After marveling over the scenic panorama, Livvy looked down and noticed some carvings in the wooden railing. One in particular caught her attention.

  “That rat!” she scowled.

  Inspecting the etched initials Olivia had pointed out, Tina reassured her friend that it was probably a coincidence. There was certainly more than one Jason, and she didn’t know any Cierra. “And,” Tina added sardonically, “if it is him, he can have her!”